Residents warned of hook and cane thefts

Residents in Rochdale are being warned to keep house and car keys in a secure place after a spate of hook and cane burglaries where either homes have been broken into or vehicles stolen.

Since January there have been three burglaries where thieves have used a cane with a hook or magnet on the end to ‘fish’ for keys through letterboxes or cat flaps.

Residents are advised never to leave their car or house keys either near window sills, in porches or hallways and are urged to put them away out of sight, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet.

Jackie Bell, Crime Reduction Advisor for GMP’s Rochdale division, said: “Would-be offenders look through windows and letterboxes for valuables and keys and I would advise residents to keep them out of sight and kept somewhere secure.

“Security lighting at doors and windows can also make life more difficult for thieves, as can letterbox visor guards.”